A community under stars: 4 places to enjoy the eclipse in the Springfield area
Want to watch the solar eclipse with friends but finding that list of contacts dry? Or maybe you’re looking to make new friends who have similar interests—like experiencing the rare solar phenomena happening on April 8.
Across Illinois, groups are preparing to celebrate the eclipse, including in Springfield.
Here’s the places to go to experience the solar eclipse with the rest of the community.
More: Solar eclipse: Where can I find safe glasses in Springfield? We have you covered
Lincoln Library viewing party
What: Open to all ages, the Lincoln Library is hosting an eclipse viewing party for families and friends to grab a free pair of glasses and enjoy the near-total eclipse from the comfort of downtown.
Where: Parking at 426 S. 7th St., meeting at parking lot at East Capitol and South 8th Street.
More: Find out more about Lincoln Library events at lincolnlibrary.info
Eclipse Watch Party at Lincoln Land Community College
What: There’s plenty more to do than just watching the eclipse at Lincoln Land community College in Springfield; the outdoor commons is transforming the vent into a space-themed adventure. Enjoy trivia, space snacks, space-themed exhibits and other activities before finding a good space to view the eclipse on the grass. Professor of geology Samantha Reif will be hosting a livestream with Du Quoin, where the eclipse will be total.
Where: 5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield
More: Viewing glasses will be provided to participants while supplies last. All ages of the public are welcome at this event.
Eclipse party at University of Illinois Springfield
What: The University of Illinois Springfield will host an eclipse watch party. While Springfield won't witness the total eclipse, the sun is projected to be approximately 96% obscured by the moon. Join the university's Astronomy Interest Group who’ve set up a solar telescope to provide fantastic views of the sun in partial eclipse and learn how to construct a pin-hole camera to view the eclipse safely.
Where: University of Illinois Springfield's Student Union north patio at 2251 Richard Wright Drive, Springfield
More: Viewing glasses are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The event is open to UIS students, faculty and the general public.
Litchfield Drive-In 'Total Eclipse of the Heartland'
What: If Carbondale is too far but the experience is still worth the drive, consider Litchfield Drive-In in Litchfield, around a 40-minute drive from Springfield to the south. In celebration of the black hole sun, from 10 a.m. the drive-in will host "Total Eclipse of the Heartland" with live comedians Rafe Williams and Steve Ewing, a photo booth and a PlayStation 5 raffle. Throughout the event, movies will be screened for viewers such as Dune 2 to watch underneath the incredible sky.
Where: 1500 N. Old Route 66, Litchfield, Ill.
More: Tickets for the event can be purchased at litchfieldskyview.com for $50 per person, with access to movie screening throughout the day.
Contact Claire Grant at CLGrant@gannett.com, X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Solar eclipse: 4 viewing parties around Springfield, Illinois
